Point-of-sale systems are the tools businesses use to take payments in person. Whether someone’s tapping their phone, swiping a card, or inserting a chip, these machines handle it. You’ll see them everywhere now, from giant retail chains to tiny food stalls.
These days, cash is slowly fading out. Most customers expect to tap and go. With more people using mobile wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay, offering mobile POS payments isn’t just nice to have; it’s expected. And let’s be honest, if checkout takes too long or feels clunky, people might walk away.
The upside? There are plenty of great POS options out there. Whether you’re running a clothing store, a coffee cart, or something in between, there’s a system that fits. In this guide, we’ll walk through what to look for and highlight ten of the best POS machines for different types of businesses.
What to Look for in a POS Machine
Before choosing a POS machine, think about your business setup and daily needs. Start with the basics: make sure it supports contactless (NFC) payments, chip cards, and swipe cards. Most customers use these daily.
Mobile compatibility is another key factor. Some POS systems work through apps on phones or tablets. This is great for businesses that move around or want to keep the setup simple.
Design and ease of use matter, too. You don’t want something that’s complicated to set up or teach to your staff. Flat fees, clear pricing, and good customer support go a long way when something goes wrong. Also, consider the size of your operation. Small cafes need different features than multi-location retailers.
The right POS device should save you time, reduce errors, and keep your customers happy.
10 Best POS Machines for Contactless and Card Payments
Choosing the right POS machine depends on your setup, your budget, and how you do business day to day. To make things easier, we’ve rounded up ten of the best options out there right now. Each one offers contactless and card payment support, but they vary in size, features, and pricing. Here’s a closer look at what each one brings to the table.
Square Terminal
Square Terminal is compact and works straight out of the box. It accepts chip, tap, and swipe payments. It also prints receipts, which is handy if your customers still want them. You don’t need extra hardware or contracts. Square charges a flat 2.6% + 10¢ per transaction. It connects via Wi-Fi and has all-day battery life. The touchscreen is easy to use, and setup takes just a few minutes.
Best for: small shops, salons, mobile vendors, and cafes.
Clover Flex
Clover Flex is a portable POS system with a built-in printer and barcode scanner. It accepts all major payment types, including NFC. You can manage inventory, staff, and reporting through the cloud. The device connects via Wi-Fi or cellular data, so you can take payments anywhere. It’s a bit more expensive upfront, but very reliable.
Best for: service businesses, food trucks, and curbside operations.
Zettle by PayPal
Zettle is a budget-friendly POS that pairs with your smartphone. It has a sleek design and connects via Bluetooth. It accepts cards, mobile wallets and even generates basic reports. If you already use PayPal, Zettle fits right in. There are no monthly fees, and you only pay per transaction.
Best for: small shops, solo sellers, and first-time business owners.
SumUp Air
SumUp Air is an affordable and ultra-portable card reader. It works with a free app on your phone or tablet. The card reader handles contactless, chip, and magstripe payments. Battery life is solid, and the device is small enough to fit in a pocket. The app also tracks sales and helps with tax settings.
Best for: freelancers, pop-ups, and part-time sellers.
Toast POS
Toast is built with restaurants in mind. It combines hardware and software into one platform. You can manage menus, take online orders, and send tickets to the kitchen. Toast accepts all modern payments, including gift cards. It also includes tip tracking and payroll tools. Setup is more involved, but support is solid.
Best for: cafes, full-service restaurants, and quick-serve spots.
Lightspeed POS
Lightspeed is a powerful POS system for retail and hospitality. It handles mobile POS payments, customer data, and advanced inventory. It also includes tools for managing multiple locations. The cloud-based system makes updates and reports easy to access from anywhere. It costs more than simpler systems, but the features are robust.
Best for: retail chains, clothing stores, and multi-store businesses.
Shopify POS
Shopify POS is perfect for businesses already using Shopify online. It lets you sync in-person and online sales, inventory, and customer profiles. You can accept cards, contactless payments, and even split payments. The POS app is flexible and works with a variety of hardware. Shopify’s plans include POS features at no extra cost.
Best for: pop-up shops, online-first brands, and hybrid sellers.
Revel Systems
Revel is a feature-rich platform built for high-volume businesses. It offers tools like CRM, employee tracking, loyalty programs, and detailed reporting. The hardware is durable and supports all payment types. The system is cloud-based and highly customizable. It comes with a higher price tag, but it scales well.
Best for: large retailers, franchise owners, and fast-casual restaurants.
PayAnywhere Smart Terminal
PayAnywhere offers a sleek touchscreen device with no monthly fees. It accepts chip, tap, and swipe payments. There’s a built-in receipt printer and a decent set of reporting tools. You also get real-time sales data through the app. The interface is smooth and the device looks modern on any counter.
Best for: seasonal shops, market stalls, and budget-conscious businesses.
Verifone T650p
Verifone T650p is a rugged, secure terminal often used in banks and large retailers. It accepts every major payment method and has top-tier security features. The screen is bright, and the battery lasts for hours. It’s not the cheapest option, but it’s dependable and built for volume.
Best for: high-traffic retail stores, pharmacies, and enterprise businesses.
Final Thoughts
No single payment device fits every business. The right choice depends on your size, budget, and the kind of experience you want to offer your customers. A good POS helps with sales, reports, staff, and customer relationships, not just payments.
Still confused? You can always try demos from Pure Terminal. Look for something that feels natural to use. And don’t just focus on hardware. Check the fees, software, and support. The best POS is the one that keeps your business running smooth, no matter how busy things get.